Low Impact -#Sol 16 Day 22

"Low Impact -- #Sol 16  --Day 22

http://www.vivasaludable.org/blog/index.php/2012/04/muevete-bailando-para-prevenir-la-diabetes/

It's been a while since I have played a group sports.  As an adult, exercise has consisted of working out on the elliptical, the treadmiill, taking a power nature walk or taking an exercise class. The latter has been the closer I have come to a group sport.

Whenever I can, I love to do the Zumba Class.  I have not taken one in a long time. "Muevete, Muevete," the instructor says.  Even though my moves are not as smooth and fluid as the other members, I shake and I sweat to the Latino and Caribbean beats. I never forgot two summers ago, as I jumped and twirled during a Zumba class, my knee suddenly just gave away. Sweating, I stopped for a moment. I had been having so much fun. I even thought I was dancing under a Caribbean sun. As I looked at the young members, jumping away, I decided this felt too good to just stop. I took it low low impact: no major jumping, no major kicking. Putting emphasis on my moves and working hard to stay on beat, I kept up low impact as to give my knees a break but still enjoy the moves.

The last two weeks, I have felt amazingly exhausted:  planning, grading, keeping up with house chores, commuting...I obviously cannot give up. I have to keep it moving.  I hear the instructor's voice in my mind, "Muevete, Muevete." Perhaps, I can take matters to a low impact level. I can complete all my tasks but tone it down a bit. I am always the one who thinks I can create miracles: i.e. that the students who comes late every day might come in early 5 days straight, that the student who does not like writing will suddenly write. Habits take time to change. I need to focus on the impact that I can realistically have in the moment. The student is here. The student is working on his or her body paragraph. The student is focused on taking notes not chatting.

Though the impact that my classes are having in the moment may not have a life-changing impact, the "low impact" that it has in the moment is worth noticing. I always tell students who are laid back that they are preparing for the future of ones who do yet exist but will depend on them.  Behind each student, there is a whole generation to come whether it is direct children or nephews and nieces. Hopefully the "low impact' will create a domino effect rippling into future generations and instilling students and their descendants with a deep respect for others, kindness, a love for reading,  reverence for diligence, and a determined effort to write, write, write...whether it is stories of their lives to be passed down, or letters to defend their rights, or simply letters of endearment. Low Impact is better than no impact. I will keep it moving!